Method and kits for detecting cerebrospinal fluid in a sample

Abstract

The present invention relates to detection of the presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sample, in particular to the analysis of the CSF protein lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS). The present invention provides assays for the analysis of PGDS indicating the presence or absence of CSF in a sample.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S Ser. No. 10 / 409,758 filed Apr. 9, 2003, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to detection of the presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sample, in particular to the analysis of the CSF protein lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS). The present invention provides assays for the analysis of L-PGDS indicating the presence or absence of CSF in a sample. [0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art [0005] Neural blockade is associated with many complications. Among the most feared is accidental, unrecognized penetration of nervous system compartments containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If puncture into the CSF is not noted immediately, or if it is incorrectly diagnosed, subsequent drug administration may lead to paralysis or death. D...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach provides a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate method for identifying CSF, reducing the risk of complications associated with neural blockade by ensuring safer performance and reducing the incidence and severity of life-threatening events.

Problems solved by technology

Neural blockade is associated with many complications.

If puncture into the CSF is not noted immediately, or if it is incorrectly diagnosed, subsequent drug administration may lead to paralysis or death.

Despite widespread use during surgery, childbirth and pain relief, current methods to detect CSF during and after neural blockade are unreliable, costly and time-consuming.

Patients undergoing epidural anesthesia and analgesia are at particular risk for needle puncture into the CSF.

Although unambiguous identification of drained or aspirated CSF is essential for the safe conduct of epidural anesthesia, caregivers are often uncertain over the origin of fluid that may be present.

However, because of sample admixture, variability in test precision and inconsistent test thresholds, these methods are rarely helpful and little used.

At present, measurement of beta-2 transferrin in a sample is the only laboratory test to reach clinical practice capable of unequivocal discrimination of CSF, but its use is hampered in many regards.

Because immunofixation electrophoresis is necessary to detect beta-2 transferrin, the assay is expensive ($230-300 / sample), and carries multiple added costs for specimen handling, archiving, shipping and storage.

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